Summary

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book discusses the environmental fate and effects of microplastics, especially microfibers from textiles. It argues that measuring the quantities of microplastics in aquatic environments lacks standardized field and laboratory methodologies, despite concerted streamlining efforts made by the scientific community. The book provides an overview of the animals known to ingest microplastics, and highlights organism interactions and habitat exposures leading to microplastic uptake. It also argues that the diverse fibre types used in textile production suggests that these fibres can have diverse effects on organisms and ecosystems, particularly since comparative studies indicate that fibres may be more toxic to exposed organisms than other microplastic shapes. The book reviews the toxicology of chemicals associated with microplastics. It analyzes the different methodologies applied to quantify microfibre shedding during laundering.